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Rob Pelinka, Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers were widely expected to operate as buyers as the February 5 trade deadline approached. However, that perception is beginning to shift as the market takes shape.
NBA insider Jake Fischer has suggested that the Lakers’ failure to land several top targets is less about individual missed opportunities and more reflective of an intentional front-office philosophy.
Rather than forcing a deal, Los Angeles appears increasingly cautious about sacrificing long-term flexibility for short-term gains.
That approach aligns with the Lakers’ broader financial outlook, as they are projected to have more than $55 million in available cap space this summer.
With that in mind, general manager Rob Pelinka appears unwilling to jeopardize future flexibility by taking on multiyear commitments at the deadline.
Lakers Could Eye Buyout Market as Trade Options Narrow
With trade activity accelerating across the league, an alternative path may be emerging. The buyout market could offer Pelinka a way to upgrade the roster without compromising future flexibility.
On Tuesday, the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Detroit Pistons agreed to a three-team trade that sent Mike Conley Jr. and Jaden Ivey to Chicago.
Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric landed in Detroit, along with a 2026 protected first-round pick swap from Minnesota. The Timberwolves received cash considerations in the deal.
Shortly after, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Conley could emerge as a buyout candidate, noting that the veteran guard and the Bulls “will work on proper path to move forward.”
That development immediately caught the attention of Lakers observers. Lake Show Life’s Maxwell Ogden believes the situation could present Los Angeles with an unexpected opportunity to bolster its rotation.
“With Conley likely to hit the buyout market, the Lakers could add a veteran point guard to their rotation and create the backcourt depth they need,” Ogden wrote. “Though he isn’t quite the All-Star that he used to be, he’s still revered as a locker room presence and respected for his ability to play mistake-free basketball based on strong fundamentals and a high basketball IQ.”
“Conley is a quality playmaker who can get the offense into its sets and find open teammates without the risk of turnovers. He averaged 4.5 assists to just 1.1 turnovers in 24.7 minutes per game last season, and could help save Los Angeles’ dreadfully unproductive second unit.”
A Low-Risk Option That Fits the Lakers’ Timeline
It remains possible that the “path forward” Haynes referenced involves another trade rather than a buyout. But if Conley does become available, he would represent a low-risk veteran option for a Lakers team searching for stability behind its starters.
Through 44 games this season, Conley is averaging 4.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 0.6 turnovers in 18.5 minutes per game.
Now 38-years-old, his shooting efficiency has dipped, as he’s converting 32.2% from the field and 32.1% from three-point range.
That said, Conley is a career 38.7% shooter from deep, and even a partial return to form would be welcome for a Lakers team currently ranked 21st in the league in three-point shooting at 34.9%.
Conley is in the final year of a two-year, $20 million contract, earning $10.7 million this season. A buyout would allow him to sign a short-term deal, ensuring any addition would not interfere with Los Angeles’ long-term plans.
With LeBron James widely expected to come off the books and cap space opening up, the Lakers are positioning themselves for a clean summer reset, one that prioritizes re-signing Austin Reaves and continuing to build around Luka Doncic.
Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans
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